The Conjuring 2 (2016) – A Terrifying Journey into the Supernatural: Movie Review

When it comes to horror movies that leave a lasting impression, *The Conjuring 2* (2016) stands out as a chilling masterpiece in the supernatural genre. Directed by James Wan, this sequel to the 2013 hit *The Conjuring* takes audiences on a spine-tingling ride through the eerie world of paranormal investigations. Starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the real-life demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, *The Conjuring 2* blends heart-pounding scares with emotional depth, cementing its place as one of the best horror films of the decade. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the plot, characters, cinematography, and overall impact of *The Conjuring 2*, exploring why it remains a fan favorite and a must-watch for horror enthusiasts in 2025 and beyond.

Overview of The Conjuring 2: Plot and Setting

Released on June 10, 2016, *The Conjuring 2* builds on the success of its predecessor by delivering a story inspired by the infamous Enfield Poltergeist case, one of the most documented paranormal events in history. Set in 1977, the film transports viewers to a gloomy, working-class neighborhood in Enfield, North London, where the Hodgson family is tormented by malevolent spirits. The story begins with Ed and Lorraine Warren, fresh off their investigation of the Amityville Horror, reluctantly agreeing to ᴀssist the Hodgson family after the Catholic Church requests their expertise.

The film opens with a haunting prologue in Amityville, where Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) experiences a terrifying vision of a demonic nun—an enтιтy that becomes a recurring nightmare throughout the movie. This sets the stage for the Warrens’ journey to England, where they encounter Janet Hodgson (Madison Wolfe), a young girl at the center of the supernatural disturbances. What follows is a rollercoaster of suspense, possession, and psychological terror as the Warrens battle forces that threaten not only the Hodgson family but their own faith and safety.

For those searching for a horror movie that combines real-life inspiration with cinematic thrills, *The Conjuring 2* delivers on all fronts. Its 133-minute runtime might seem daunting, but every moment is packed with tension, making it a gripping watch from start to finish.

Stellar Performances That Elevate the Horror

One of the standout elements of *The Conjuring 2* is its exceptional cast. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as Lorraine and Ed Warren with flawless chemistry, bringing authenticity and humanity to their portrayals. Farmiga, in particular, shines as Lorraine, a clairvoyant burdened by her ability to see the unseen. Her performance captures the emotional toll of facing evil head-on, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist. Wilson’s Ed, on the other hand, provides a grounded counterbalance—his unwavering determination and quiet strength make him the heart of the duo.

Madison Wolfe delivers a breakout performance as Janet Hodgson, the young girl possessed by the spirit of an elderly man named Bill Wilkins. Wolfe’s portrayal is both heartbreaking and terrifying, as she transitions seamlessly between vulnerability and menace. The supporting cast, including Frances O’Connor as the desperate single mother Peggy Hodgson, adds depth to the family’s plight, making their fear palpable and their struggle relatable.

The film’s antagonists—both the ghostly Bill Wilkins and the sinister Valak, the demonic nun—are brought to life with chilling precision. Valak, in particular, has become an iconic figure in horror cinema, thanks to its eerie design and the masterful way Wan teases its presence throughout the film. These performances, combined with Wan’s direction, ensure that *The Conjuring 2* is more than just jump scares—it’s a story about people facing unimaginable terror.

James Wan’s Directorial Brilliance

James Wan, the mastermind behind *Saw*, *Insidious*, and the original *The Conjuring*, proves once again why he’s a тιтan of modern horror. In *The Conjuring 2*, Wan showcases his ability to create atmosphere and sustain tension over a lengthy runtime. The film’s cinematography, helmed by Don Burgess, is a visual feast of shadowy corridors, flickering lights, and unsettling camera angles that keep viewers on edge.

One of the most memorable scenes involves a single-take sequence where the camera follows Janet as she navigates her haunted home, only to be confronted by the spirit of Bill Wilkins. This moment exemplifies Wan’s skill in building suspense without relying solely on loud noises or cheap thrills. Instead, he uses silence, pacing, and subtle visual cues to amplify the dread—a technique that sets *The Conjuring 2* apart from lesser horror films.

The film’s sound design also deserves praise. From the creaking floorboards to the distorted voice of Bill Wilkins emanating from Janet’s mouth, every auditory detail enhances the sense of unease. The score, composed by Joseph Bishara, weaves haunting melodies with dissonant tones, perfectly complementing the on-screen terror.

Themes of Faith, Family, and Resilience

Beyond the scares, *The Conjuring 2* explores deeper themes that resonate with audiences. The Warrens’ unshakable faith in each other and in a higher power serves as the emotional core of the film. Lorraine’s visions test her resolve, while Ed’s willingness to risk his life for others highlights their selflessness. This dynamic adds a layer of heart to the horror, making it more than just a fright fest.

The Hodgson family’s struggle also mirrors these themes. Peggy’s desperation to protect her children, despite their dire circumstances, underscores the power of familial bonds. Janet’s possession becomes a metaphor for the loss of innocence, a common trope in horror that *The Conjuring 2* handles with sensitivity and care.

The film’s climax, where love and faith triumph over evil, might feel predictable to some, but it’s executed with such sincerity that it’s hard not to feel moved. For viewers looking for a horror movie with substance, *The Conjuring 2* offers a satisfying blend of thrills and emotional payoff.

How The Conjuring 2 Stacks Up in the Franchise

As the second installment in *The Conjuring* universe, this film had big shoes to fill after the critical and commercial success of the original. While *The Conjuring* (2013) is often praised for its simplicity and unrelenting terror, *The Conjuring 2* takes a broader approach, expanding the mythology and introducing new threats like Valak. Some critics argue that its longer runtime and additional subplots—like the Warrens’ personal struggles—dilute the intensity, but others see it as a bold evolution of the series.

Compared to later spin-offs like *Annabelle* or *The Nun*, *The Conjuring 2* remains a high point for its cohesive storytelling and strong character development. It’s a testament to Wan’s vision that the film feels like a natural continuation of the Warrens’ journey, rather than a cash grab. For fans of the franchise, it’s a must-see chapter that deepens the lore while delivering the scares that made the series famous.

Why The Conjuring 2 Still Holds Up in 2025

Nearly a decade after its release, *The Conjuring 2* continues to captivate audiences. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to balance horror with humanity—an approach that ensures it’s more than just a seasonal Halloween watch. The film’s practical effects and minimal reliance on CGI give it a gritty, authentic feel that modern horror movies often lack. Plus, the Enfield Poltergeist case remains a fascinating real-life mystery, adding an extra layer of intrigue for those who love true crime and the paranormal.

In 2025, as streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime make classic horror films more accessible, *The Conjuring 2* remains a standout recommendation. Its rewatchability factor is high, thanks to hidden details—like the subtle foreshadowing of Valak—and the emotional stakes that keep you invested. Whether you’re a horror veteran or a newcomer, this film offers something for everyone.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

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November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.